Fort Erie, Ontario, July 22, 2009 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers arrested Orlando Richard Stewart for attempting to enter Canada using a fraudulent passport. Mr. Stewart is a citizen of Jamaica and is wanted in the United Kingdom (UK) in connection with a murder investigation.
On May 9, 2009, Mr. Stewart travelled on a bus from New York City to Canada and presented a United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland passport at the Peace Bridge. Mr. Stewart was referred for further examination and was subsequently arrested by enforcement officers from the CBSA Niagara–Fort Erie Region’s Criminal Investigations Unit for possessing a fraudulent document. He was charged under paragraph 122(1)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. On July 10, 2009, Mr. Stewart was sentenced to time served plus one day for a total of 127 days.
The CBSA is committed to ensuring that Canada is not a haven for fugitives from justice. This arrest demonstrates the diligence of CBSA officers who work together with their domestic and international law-enforcement partners, such as the RCMP and UK authorities, to protect Canada’s border and communities.
Mr. Stewart appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Toronto Region) on July 17 and the matter was adjourned until July 23. The extradition proceedings in Canada remain ongoing.
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For media information:
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency (Niagara–Fort Erie Region)
905-933-5463
Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207